Innsbruck Meets Munich

MCI and Innsbruck’s universities follow invitation of the DFK to the heart of the Bavarian capital

“Universities meet Friends – Let’s go Munich!” Under this engaging motto, the "Deutscher Freundeskreis der Universitäten e.V." once again welcomed MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, the University of Innsbruck, and the Medical University of Innsbruck to the heart of the Bavarian capital. The high-profile event took place in the magnificent halls of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Munich and Upper Bavaria (CCI/IHK), bringing together leading voices from academia, politics, and business to strengthen cross-border relations.

Following a tradition of hosting prominent Austrian figures such as Magnus Brunner, Alexander Schallenberg, Sebastian Kurz, Reinhold Mitterlehner, Karlheinz Töchterle, Hans Jörg Schelling, and Tyrolean Governor Günther Platter, this year’s spotlight was on Martin Kocher, former Austrian Minister of Labour and Economy and designated Governor of the Austrian National Bank. In his keynote speech titled “Germany & Austria in Europe: Competing Together on the International Stage”, Kocher explored the strategic collaboration potential between the two countries.

The event was opened with welcoming remarks by Chairman Markus Walzl of the German Friends Association of the Universities and IHK President Klaus-Josef Lutz, who both emphasized the importance of dialogue between neighboring nations. A lively panel discussion moderated by Oliver Stock, Editor-in-Chief of Business Punk (Weimer Media Group), followed, engaging the packed audience in the IHK’s grand Börsensaal.

In addition to sharing personal insights from his political career, Kocher highlighted current scientific findings and policy recommendations concerning the shared economic space of Austria and Germany. A central theme emerged: “We enjoy personal, democratic, and economic freedoms in Europe that are rare elsewhere in the world. It is time we actively use these freedoms instead of getting lost in minor complaints.”

DFK Chairman Markus Walzl considers the mission of the association as fulfilled: to bring together the University of Innsbruck, the Medical University of Innsbruck, and MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® with renowned individuals, companies, and institutions from academia, business, and society; to foster cross-border dialogue and exchange; and to actively cultivate German-Austrian relations.

Organized in close cooperation with the CCI, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and the Austrian Trade Commission in Munich, the event showcased the vibrant potential of cross-border cooperation in areas such as innovation, internationalization, entrepreneurship, and education. Conversations before and after the event further sparked ideas for joint projects and future collaborations – a fitting testament to the event’s unifying motto.